Four South Paulding baseball players, one basketball player and a female bowler signed athletic scholarships to area colleges on May 17.

For baseball, Albert Harless will attend National Junior College Athletic Association’s Georgia Highlands College, under the direction of head coach Mike Marra in their inaugural baseball season.

LaDeavon Matthews signed to Gordon State College in Barnesville, under head coach Travis McClanahan.

James Maxwell will attend NCAA Division III LaGrange College and be led by head coach Mike Howard.

Stephen McCauley signed to NJCAA West Georgia Technical College under the direction of head coach Todd Pratt.

Spartan head baseball coach Pecos Galamore said, “We are very proud of these young men as they have represented our program and school to its highest level. Words can’t express how much they mean to me as a coach, man and now as a friend. I wish them nothing but the best, along with my other seniors, as a new chapter of their life begins.”

For basketball, Jamal Williams signed with NJCAA Albany Technical College led by head coach Sylvester Patterson. Williams said he chose Albany Tech because he liked the coach and the players he met there.

Bowler Amber Olsen signed a partial scholarship to National Christian College Athletic Association’s Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs. Olsen will be a member of the school’s inaugural women’s bowling team under head coach Mark Lansing.

Olsen said her passion for bowling began when she had her 12th birthday party at a bowling alley. Her family eventually began bowling as their family hobby and showing potential, Olsen was informed of a youth league, but she said she never thought it would take her to college.

“Not in the very beginning but I had lots of influences around me,” said Olsen.

In making her college choice Olsen was also considering Pikeville University in Pikeville, Ky., but said it ultimately came down to being closer to home as Pikeville is eight hours away.

Also influencing her decision was the “great” atmosphere and her future teammates. Olsen said two other bowlers from her center also signed to Emmanuel, one of which she has known for five years.

Olsen has worked to better herself at Paulding Bowling Center and Stars and Strikes, both in Dallas.

Now that she is preparing to take her talent to the next level, Olsen said she had to thank her former coach Bill Wilson Sr.

“He’s the person that created the foundation that made me who I am. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had,” said Olsen.

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